Who were the Familia Publica?
The first recognized firefighting force organized in ancient Rome.
What was a Bucket Brigade?
The fire protection method in which townspeople formed two lines to pass containers filled with water toward the fire and empty containers away from it.
Name the governor of New Amsterdam (now New York City) and the year he enforces a building code to prohibit wood or plaster chimneys in order to save the city from fire?
Peter Stuyvesant in 1647
Why did New Amsterdam and Boston adopt a curfew that required fire to be extinguished or covered between the hours of 9 pm and 4:30 am?
The greatest threat was that fire could get a good head start while people slept.
Nearly 2/3 of what city was destroyed by fire in 1666? What was done in reaction to this?
The Great Fire of London resulted in the proposal of many building code regulations and the formation of fire insurance companies.
What feature was placed on the outside of buildings protected by fire insurance companies?
A Fire Mark identified which insurance company protected a home or building.
In 1679, which city established the first publicly funded, paid fire department in America?
Boston
Among his many accomplishments, what is Ben Franklin known for with regard to his role in the fire service?
He is the founding father of organized volunteer firefighting. He started the Union Volunteer Fire Company in Philadelphia in 1736 after observing the operation of mutual fire societies in England.
What were fire plugs and how were they used?
Fire plugs were wooden plugs placed in the holes of city water systems (that were constructed of hollowed-out logs) at intervals of about a block or so. They allowed fire fighters to access water for their pumpers.
What was a "Plug Ugly"?
A man, sometimes with a bucket, sent by fire companies send ahead of the rest of the fire company. He would claim "first water" on the fire in order to get paid by the insurance companies.
Which city had the first fully paid fire department? What year did this occur?
Although Boston had the first publicly funded department in 1679, it was not until 1853 that Cincinnati had the first fully paid fire department.
What type of calls make up the vast majority of fire department responses? What percentage of calls do these represent?
Nearly 70% of all fire department responses are for medical (Emergency Medical Service - EMS) reasons.
Name several feature of a modern fire station, necessary to house firefighters who work a 24-hour shift.
Kitchen facilities, sleeping quarters, bathrooms and shower facilities.....
When fire fighting PPE was in its infancy, what was the initial purpose of the fire helmet?
To keep hot embers and water off of the firefighters neck.
What modern fire fighting equipment protects fire fighters who enter atmospheres with super-heated gasses and toxic atmospheres?
The Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
What devastating fire occurred in October of 1871 resulting in the loss of 1500 lives and 2400 square miles of wild land and timber?
The Pestigo Wisconsin Fire.
What were the handles on the siphona pumpers called and how long were they?
The handles, which were up to 15 feet long and required many men to operate were called "brakes".
What was a "Gooseneck"?
A large fixed, nozzle mounted on top of early hand pumpers.
What was a "Squirrel Tail"?
A suction hose that was permanently attached to early hand pumpers.
Early extension ladders allowed access to the fifth floor of buildings. How tall were these ladders?
Up to 75 feet in length.
What three agents were carried on early chemical wagons?
A combination of soda and water and acid caused a chemical reaction that produced pressure and forced water out of a hose.
What is a pike pole?
A tool with a hook on a long pole developed to pull down ceilings and walls to check for fire extension in concealed spaces.
Prior to breathing apparatus being invented, how did fire fighters protect themselves from inhaling toxic gases?
They would dip their beards in water and breath through them or wrap wet rags around their faces.
Who recognized the importance of prescribed burning to restore wildlands and used fires to herd bison and other game animals so they were easier to hunt?
Native Americans.
On average, how many fires were started annually by ground strikes from lightning storms in the United States from 2008 to 2012?
9,000
Today, fire hose is made primarily from synthetic material. What material was used for the first fire hose?
Leather
With the improvement of water systems and increased hose use,what was the name of the apparatus and their crews that were formed to get hose carts to fire scene?
Hose Companies
Which tool, that looks much like a lancer's pike, was developed to pull down ceilings to access concealed spaces and is still in use today?
The Pike Pole
What NFPA document requires fire departments to have a risk reduction plan?
NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health
What are the 3 control measures recognized in Risk Management?
Administrative, engineering and Personnel Protection